Rimutaka Cycle Trail

A new tourism venture for the region and part of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail initiative.

The Wellington-Wairarapa Cycle Trail was launched as the Rimutaka Cycle Trail by Rt. Hon. John Key in 2013.

It's one of New Zealand’s premier cycle trails, mainly off-road, taking in unique river, mountain and coastal scenery, mixed in with local heritage and culture.

What’s this project about?

The Rimutaka Cycle Trail will form part of Nga Haerenga, The New Zealand Cycle Trail - www.nzcycletrail.com.

Stage one of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail starts from Petone, goes up the Hutt River Trail beside Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River, along the Rimutaka Rail Trail to the Wairarapa, south to Ocean Beach and around Turakirae Head to the Wainuiomata Coast Road.

Stage two is proposed to take the trail over Baring Head to Pencarrow and around to Days Bay/Eastbourne in the future.

Our Cycle Trail partners

We’re working with

Upper Hutt City Council

Greater Wellington Regional Council

South Wairarapa District Council

Positively Wellington Tourism

Destination Wairarapa

Department of Conservation

Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust

Wellington Tenths

Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa

Rangitane o Wairarapa

We’re currently negotiating with land owners and our partners to fully form the trail.

How the community benefits from the Rimutaka Cycle Trail

Established cycle trails in other parts of the country such as the Otago Rail Trail have become international attractions and the catalyst for significant tourism infrastructure and investment.

Already we've seen visitor spend and stays directly attributed to the trail and businesses are supplying new tourism infrastructure to support cyclists on and around the trail.

A network of cycle trails not only provide a healthy and enjoyable way for locals and visitors to see our region, but would also generate economic, social and environmental benefits for our communities.

Where are we at?

Read more about our latest projects to develop cycling and mixed-use trails in the Hutt Valley: